CAUTION: Don’t have anything combustible near a fireplace that is hot or in use! Translation: DO NOT PUT A FRAME OR ANYTHING ELSE IN FRONT OF YOUR FIREPLACE IF IT IS IN USE OR STILL HOT!! SAFETY FIRST!
Okay, now on to the fun stuff. The older I get the less I care about fitting in, and therefore the more creative I become. So I had the big frame that I wasn’t using and I wondered what I should do with it. This is just the kind of challenge I love, BTW. I decided to paint it and put it in front of the fireplace.
Here’s what it looked like before the frame.
Here’s what it looks like with the frame.
I started out with a gold frame, and using my homemade chalky paint recipe, I painted the frame a creamy white.
The frame almost looks like it was made to go in front of the fireplace.
I hope you can see all of the fabulous detail on the frame.
My fireplace is a closed system, but still I don’t recommend having the frame in front of the fire while it is on. Remember to move the frame away from your fireplace when you are burning a fire. This is purely decorative, and not meant to be in place while the fireplace is in use. When moving the frame back to the fireplace, make sure the fire is completely extinguished and the fireplace is no longer hot. I am not a fireplace expert!! I’m just looking for something pretty for when it isn’t in use. As with all projects shown here, I am simply showing you what I did in my own home, and by reading these posts, you agree that any project you undertake is done at your own risk. Fire is dangerous, your safety is very important to me!
That’s a great idea-I have a typical old brick fireplace that I converted into a gas insert fireplace and the insert isn’t flush in the brick so that might work year round. I believe your idea would ‘frame’ it out nicely and can be used with the gas insert lit since my other gas inserted fireplaces that were custom built into my additions have drywall around them (that I painted black to match the inserts). BTW-I see the broken chair is still in place–way to go!
I’ve got more empty frames than I do fireplaces! This is a great way to utilize what you’ve got. I love it!
What a great idea! My fireplace is 70’s stone with a gas insert and kind of boring. Something like this might really help.
As usual you have a wonderfully creative idea! I may have to go out and buy a picture frame to copy this!
I really like that you have embraced being different or not caring if you fit in. That is right where I am at. I am just being myself. By the way, the frame looks amazing and I love it. Want to copy you and put one in front of my fireplace.
You always inspire me. Thanks!
This is a pretty idea but a very unsafe idea. There is a reason that building codes do not allow wood that close to a fire! Why would you be willing to burn your new home down?
I believe Anita mentioned this was to only be done when the fireplace was not being used; however, it is safe to frame around a glass enclosed gas insert as my insert has drywall/wood framing the insert in.
Regardless of the safety comments, the frame looks wonderful. Unused fireplaces are just black holes so the frame idea gives a finished look with the addition of something centered in front of the opening. Hoping your readers actually do read your wonderful posts as well as gaining inspiration from your photos.
Now, that us thinking out of the box. I love the look!
I love it!!…What a fantastic idea!!!…
The frame idea is very clever. I noticed that you have an olive bucket. I recently purchased one just like it and love it, but it has a good amount of rust on the bottom. I think I should clean the rust off to prevent weakening of the metal, but I don’t want to change the look or damage it in any way. Did you clean the rust from yours and if so, how? Did you put any kind of sealant on it to prevent further corrosion? I would really appreciate any advice.
Hmmm Kimberly, I haven’t done anything to mine. I like the rust look. You might talk to someone in your hardware store about that.
Thank you.